Review: Ace Hood's "Body Bag Vol. 2" Mixtape

With Meek Mill's deadly lyrical skills overshadowing many rappers dropping mixtapes this summer, many have forgotten that there are others able to body a beat. Ace Hood happens to be one of them, and with the second volume of Body Bag out Hip-Hop heads have their proof.

Self-promoted as a hungry emcee, Ace approaches tracks with a ravenous appetite, and on Body Bag Vol. 2 he devours everything placed in front of him. On “Gutta Back” he introduces the tape’s subject matter; namely, outright arrogance expressed poetically. He gets political on “Wanna Beez” and “Yeen Bout Dat Life,” questioning the candidacy of his opposition. In Ace’s eyes he is the democratically elected president of the streets, and on “6 Summers” he explains that won’t be changing any time soon.

Light on features, just like previous projects, the majority of the songs are solo outings. That said, he does have some solid guests on this mixtape. Juicy J and Choo Choo join him for “Geek’n,” a drugged out anthem for pill poppers. Bun B and Kirko Bangz accompany “Double Cup,” another screwed song that the cast chop up and chatter over. Later, Kevin Cossom assists on “Lottery,” which celebrates the artists’ winning ways.

At fifteen tracks the tape is a decent length considering the limited subject matter, and provides fans with a taste of what they can expect from Ace Hood on upcoming features like DJ Khaled’s Kiss The Ring with testosterone levels set to overload. This review can’t close without mentioning “Leggo” and “Rosaries.” The first is produced by Mike Will Made It, who is slowly becoming the most sought out beatsmith in the industry. While "Rosaries" is a final prayer, and discussing the possibility of death Ace spits, “pray to God my soul to keep. Keep my homeboys off the streets. Keep my bad hoes on a leash. When I die bury me with a neck full of rosaries.” It’s the most introspective record on this release, and reminds us all of the hardships he’s been forced to endure.

This tape is a prelude of big things to come for the YMCMB rapper who is on the cusp of increased exposure which can lead to him expanding his artistry. Until then, fans can enjoy Ace doing what he does best, and putting his ability to attack a track and wrap it in plastic is on full display.